Vault Early Papers of the University Box 1 Folder 1860 Cornerstone Ceremony 1

Fayetteville, Tennessee,

Oct. 6, 1860.

Rt. Rev. J. H. Otey, D.D.:

Dear Sir:

I embrace this, my very first, opportunity to reply to your most polite note of invitation to attend the exercises of the laying of the cornerstone of the principal building of the University of the South, on 10th instant. Please accept my sincere gratitude, for your courtesy and my best wishes for the premanent and entire success of the magnificent enterprise in which you are engaged.

Owing to previous engagements I am

compelled to decline the invitation you tender and, wishing you "the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of peace," I subscribe myself,

Yours, most truly,

M. B. De Witt

Decatur Ga. 6th {illegible: Ober? Sber?} 1860

Rt Revd & Dear Sir.

I accepted your invi= tation to attend at University Place on 10th Inst. in the belief that I would be sufficiently relieved from a severe cold and cough to do so. In this I have unfortunately been disappointed. I very much regret my disappoint= ment. My consolation is that I will be the only sufferer{er?} from my involuntary absince.

With great respect

Very truly your Ob't Servt

W {illegible: G? C? B?} Daniell

The Rt Rev

Bishop Otey

University Place,

Tenn.

Carrollton Pickens Co. Alabama

Oct'r 8th 1860

Rt. Rev'd Jas. H. Otey.

Dear Sir,

I recieved only on yester= day, your invitation, in behalf of the Executive Committee to be present at the laying of the Corner Stone of "The University of the South," on the 10th inst.

It would afford me great pleasure to be able to attend on the occasion, but the shortness of the notice of itself forbids.

I have from the inception of the grand En= =terprise felt a true Southerners pride in its success; and am rejoiced to know that success is now certain.

I trust my dear Sir, that you may live to see the University in full and successful operation; and that it will never be forgotten, that to your efforts, more than to those of any other, are the Church and the South, under obligations for its establishment.

With great respect

Your obd't serv't

Alex B. Clitherall

Sparta Oct 21st 1860

Rt Rev Bishop Otey

Dear sir

Your kind invitation of the 1st inst, inviting me to be present at the laying of the corner stone of the principle building of the University of the South, is before me, and in reply I have to say that abs -ence from home in the North and business prevented me from receiving your very kind invitation, untill this day. Nothing would have given me more pleasure than to have been present on such an occasion, had I have known the fact in time. But still my heart is with you in the good cause. May it be eminently success -ful is my wish.

I am your obt humble servt

S. N. Combs